A business leader with a severely autistic son has set up a social enterprise to help companies tap into the £249 billion of spending power of disabled people in the UK. Davina Carey-Evans, who runs the Anglesey-based event and marketing company Sbarc, set up Piws (Welsh for purple) as a Community Interest Company to help […]

A business leader with a severely autistic son has set up a social enterprise to help companies tap into the £249 billion of spending power of disabled people in the UK.

Davina Carey-Evans, who runs the Anglesey-based event and marketing company Sbarc, set up Piws (Welsh for purple) as a Community Interest Company to help businesses make venues more accessible to everyone.

The aim is to reduce isolation and encourage access so everyone, including those with hidden disabilities, can enjoy community lifestyle activities across North Wales.

Mum-of-three Davina, who hails from Criccieth, has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties faced by people with hidden disabilities through her son Benjamin, 25.

According to Davina, she wants to help companies make simple changes that will improve accessibility in restaurants, bars, activities and attractions.

The annual spending power of the disabled community in the UK is £249 billion so tapping into the so-called ‘Purple Pound’ made good financial sense.

Davina said: “Benjie is severely autistic and non-verbal but outwardly he has no visible disability. He’s six foot five and a big man but has the abilities of a young child.

“He’s totally reliant on people to guide him. Growing up people would look at him just believing he was a naughty or unruly child as his disability was hidden.

“Benjie would do things that were totally inappropriate and it was always difficult. I remember so well going, as a family, to an attraction and within minutes of going I knew Benjie was going to lose it. He was over stimulated.

“I asked the guy at the entrance if we could just leave but was told no, we had to use the exit at the other end of the attraction. You’re unable to stand your ground as you can’t afford to cause more growing anxiety.

“Before I could stop him Benjy picked up a child from out of a pushchair and threw the child before getting in the pushchair himself. Understandably people were horrified but that whole situation was unnecessary and could have been avoided.”

“People would look at me and shake their heads, I don’t blame them for not understanding. His disability was hidden and no one knew. Things got so much better when I bought a supply of T-shirts with the message ‘I’m not naughty I’m autistic’ on the front.

“People then seemed to accept his disability and understand that while he may appear ‘normal’ he isn’t.

“We have to somehow get away from thinking that disability is linked to wheelchair use, it isn’t there are lots and lots of disabled people that may outwardly show no sign of disability.”

“It’s about accessibility not disability. It’s about making sure, for example, that someone who is using a colostomy bag or similar product can use a disabled toilet in a public place without being judged simply because they look like they haven’t got a disability normal.”

Davina wants to raise awareness and increase the use of disabled symbols.

She added: “The blue badge wheelchair symbol represents all disabilities but there are 36 symbols representing all conditions but only 20 per cent are supported by the wheelchair symbol. We need to promote more symbolism opportunities.

“We need to encourage recognition that hidden disabilities are not affecting just a small minority and instead show that it is a normal part of life and that 80 per cent of disabilities registered have hidden impairments.

Half the households in the UK have a connection to disability and there are 11.5 million registered disabled people in the UK.

“We also need to promote the fact that 31 per cent of the UK workforce have been formally diagnosed with a mental health issue.”

“The aim of Piws, which is a not-for-profit-company, is to encourage access for all to enjoy, to participate and be part of community lifestyle activities.

“It’s important everyone can feel confident in visiting various locations in the knowledge that we will be welcomed, understood and catered for.

“At this time Piws is being run as a pilot giving it time to build public feedback and support, plus bring on more expertise in all areas of accessibility from nappy changing facilities to gender neutral toilets and from automatic doors to quiet spaces.”

Following yesterday’s announcement, McDonald’s will reopen a further 497 restaurants for Drive Thru across the UK and Ireland today. McDonald’s in Bridgend saw hundreds of people queue in their cars as the first restaurants opened in Wales, since closing in March due to the pandemic. Restaurants in Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Pembrokeshire, Caerphilly and North […]

Over 80 inspirational Welsh ScoutCymru volunteers are set to receive the organisation’s highest national honours thanks to their “perseverance, dedication, and commitment” to uniting communities. Scouts from Caerphilly, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Flintshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham are among 82 highly achieving members who are set to be recognised as part of this […]

Over 80 inspirational Welsh ScoutCymru volunteers are set to receive the organisation’s highest national honours thanks to their “perseverance, dedication, and commitment” to uniting communities.

Scouts from Caerphilly, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Flintshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham are among 82 highly achieving members who are set to be recognised as part of this year’s Good Service Awards celebration.

The event, which traditionally takes place in Windsor on St George’s Day with Chief Scout Bear Grylls OBE in attendance, sees prestigious awards including The Silver Wolf, The Silver Acorn, and Bar to the Silver Acorn handed out.

With this year’s celebration cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, members will be receiving their awards throughout the year from their local Scouting organisations.

Among those to receive Scouting’s highest awards this year are Claudia Currie, Deputy District Commissioner for Cardiff North; Ian Stephens of 25th Cardiff Cub Scouts; Lucien Boudier and Phillip Perks of Penarth and District Explorer Scouts, Susan Evans of 15th Barry Scouts, Jenni Aazem of 44th Sketty, David Jenkins, Area Appointments Chairman in Pembrokeshire, Bernard Gravill, Group Skills Instructor at Pen-y-Ffordd, Colleen Graham of 6thWrexham, John Heaps and Monika Gravill of Flintshire, and Philip Bentley of 1st Rossett who will receive the Silver Acorn, an accolade which is given after at least 20 years’ distinguished service.

While David Burton, the Assistant Section Leader for Wrexham Explorer Scouts, will receive the Bar to the Silver Acorn, which is awarded after The Silver Acorn and following an additional five years’ exceptional service.

The Welsh recipients were among Scouts nationally to receive prestigious awards celebrating their achievements across Scouting throughout the past year.

Chief Commissioner of Wales Rhian Moore congratulated all the “outstanding” volunteers who were recognised this year.

She said: “This year, once again, our volunteers have shown exceptional perseverance, dedication, and commitment to Scouting in Wales and we are incredibly proud of them.

“They have gone above and beyond to unite and support communities, and ensure young people develop invaluable skills for life which help them succeed now and in the future.

“These exemplary individuals enable over 15,000 young girls and boys to explore the outdoors, enjoy fun and adventure, and grow in confidence every year.

“Thanks to the support of these volunteers, we are creating stronger communities in Wales and inspiring positive futures for the people of Wales.

“Now more than ever, these dedicated volunteers are vital for uniting, inspiring and motivating Wales’s youth at a time when we cannot be together. We’d like to thank them for their truly remarkable commitment, and we look forward to celebrating with them in person in the near future.”

Welsh award recipients have supported over 15,000 young people in Wales to gain skills for life through ScoutsCymru in the past 12 months.

The organisation is open to all young people in Wales regardless of faith, gender, sexual orientation, race or social background, and encourages its members to do more, learn more and be more

On the outstanding achievements of this year’s award winners, Chief Scout Mr Grylls said it was “vital that we recognise those that have truly shone”.

He said: “It’s so important that we thank and recognise our fellow Scouts for their incredible service. These are the shining lights who make Scouts possible. Most of us in Scouts look for, and expect, no reward. But a timely word of thanks is always appreciated and can work wonders.

“Our Good Service Awards are on opportunity to make that occasional ‘thank you’ even more special. They’re for those special volunteers who, over time, you find yourself thanking more frequently.

“I also love the fact we celebrate those young people and adults who show courage in adversity and quick thinking in the face of danger. While we can’t recognise everyone every year – it’s vital we recognise those who have truly shone and I’m sure the awards listed mean the world to those outstanding people and their families.”

Passive fire protection is an integral part of any overall fire prevention strategy, employed to protect a building from fire damage. In fact, it is the first prevention and protection plan against fire, which is implemented at the construction level. The other part of fire prevention and protection strategy is called active fire prevention, which […]

Passive fire protection is an integral part of any overall fire prevention strategy, employed to protect a building from fire damage.

In fact, it is the first prevention and protection plan against fire, which is implemented at the construction level. The other part of fire prevention and protection strategy is called active fire prevention, which is geared more towards educating residents about fighting fire at a preliminary level, as well as survival strategies and best practices.

Passive Fire Protection: How to Abide by Fire Regulations

As mentioned, passive fire protection is a strategy, or a bundle of steps, taken and implemented mostly during the construction of the building itself. They may vary in accordance with the concerned location or project, but the well outlined and effective Fire Regulations in the UK have made them mandatory for every contractor to follow. Nullfire explains the various Fire Regulations the UK housing department and the fire department have made mandatory, while supplying contractors with everything from fire retardants to the fire doors they need in order to stay compliant with the regulations and codes.

What are the Principles of Passive Fire Protection?

There are four primary principles, based on which every passive fire protection plan is designed. There will be variations in how the principles are practically applied, but the core ideas remain the same, always.

Limit

The first principle is that of limitation and prevention. The idea is to limit or prevent the spreading of fire, smoke and heat from its point of origin, as much as possible. People in the building should have the option to seal off and kill the fire, before it spreads. This is applicable for the most vulnerable areas, such as near fuse boxes and outside meter rooms.

Escape

The second principle ensures escape routes for the residents. In worst case scenarios, where the fire cannot be controlled or compartmentalised to its point of origin, all residents must have a fire escape route that is not only accessible, but that also should remain protected from critical fire damage, at least long enough to allow evacuation.

Structure

The third principle dictates that the construction should be such that the main pillars of the building, which hold it erect, must be able to withstand heat and combustion for a long time. If the structure isn’t well reinforced and fire retardant, fire can melt steel beams or burn wood away fast, making the whole structure collapse.

This happened far too often in the early days, especially in incidents where the passive fire protection plans for structural pillars were not up to the mark, and one of the building’s most vulnerable areas was placed near a critical structural member of the construction.

With a combination of intelligent escape route planning and well placed fire doors, a passive fire protection and prevention strategy could save every life in a building, even if there is a raging fire. It will of course, need to be supported by fire-protected structural pillars, walls, roofs, and floors as well, to prevent a collapse.

Lockdown has made many things more challenging, none more so than giving birth. But thanks to the dedication of our maternity staff and the bravery of mums and dads, Swansea Bay University Health Board has welcomed more than 150 bundles of joy both in Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals and at home during these […]

Lockdown has made many things more challenging, none more so than giving birth.

But thanks to the dedication of our maternity staff and the bravery of mums and dads, Swansea Bay University Health Board has welcomed more than 150 bundles of joy both in Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals and at home during these anxious times.

We have gathered together some of their stories and pictures to inspire, offer hope and make you smile.

Among the babies welcomed was Millie Hopkins-Evans who was born at Singleton weighing 8lb 4oz on April 21st.

Mum Laura Evans is deaf and relies on lip reading, so was understandably worried about how midwives wearing face masks and visors would communicate with her.

“I was on pins,” said the 30-year-old from Birchgrove in Swansea.

“But our midwife was absolutely amazing at communicating with me and my partner, Neil Hopkins, making sure I was up to date and comfortable.”

Millie’s birth was all the more poignant for Laura, also mum to 11-year-old Jayden, as she tragically lost her last baby to cot death.

“It’s such a scary time to give birth, but these midwives go above and beyond to make you feel at ease.

“I hope hearing this story cheers others up.”

Consultant midwife Victoria Owens said using the current level of PPE has posed a big challenge for the whole team.

“It made us realise how much we communicate and provide reassurance and comfort by using facial expression and touch and how valuable that part of our care is,” she said.

But the team has worked with women and their families to learn new ways of communicating. They are taking part in the Smiling Eyes campaign, which encourages mums to focus on their midwife’s eyes.

Victoria said the bravery of families in adapting to these new circumstances, which include strict visiting restrictions, has touched the whole team.

She added: “We don’t know how long this will last but we do know we will all support each other until we reach the end.”

Pictured: ‘Rainbow baby’ Deliah Chammings-Deveraux was born last month at Singleton Hospital

After their son was stillborn last June, Niamh Chammings and Tyler Deveraux were excited to have a “nice and normal labour” – then the pandemic hit.

“When our due date fell in the middle of the pandemic we were absolutely heartbroken, but the staff and our experience were absolutely amazing,” said Niamh, 23, from Cwmgwrach, Neath Valley.

“Thank you so much to our midwife Katie, who made everything feel so amazing to the point where you’d even forget about the pandemic (apart from all the PPE of course).

“Thank you for helping us bring our beautiful ‘rainbow baby’ Deliah into the world on the 27th of April at 9.26pm, weighing 6lbs 4oz. We are so grateful for everything that you did.”

Deputy head of midwifery Susan Jose said: “Every member of the maternity team is acutely aware of the extreme worry and anxiety the COVID-19 pandemic is causing the women we care for.

“It gives the whole team such a boost to read the stories and receive thanks from women who have given birth during the lockdown.

“I feel sure all the stories we receive and publish will give women who are yet to birth confidence in our service and be assured of our ability to provide excellent care during this unprecedented time.”

Even though women are still allowed a birth partner, some mums have courageously chosen to give birth alone to provide an extra layer of protection for their families.

They include Ladan Howells, 33, from Birchgrove in Swansea, whose husband Rhys stayed at home with their other daughter when she was admitted to Singleton Hospital.

“Being dropped off at the hospital and preparing to face a C-section alone was the most frightening thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

“I was in tears walking onto ward 18, but luckily my midwives Liz and Katie took care of me instantly. I couldn’t have got through theatre without them and they took so many amazing pictures so my partner could see everything he missed.

“Aside from how everyone looked (the PPE being worn), you would never know how crazy the world is at the moment. The care you receive is second to none and I honestly just have an even bigger admiration for the NHS than ever before!”

Ladan and Rhys’ new daughter Rayna was born on April 17th, weighing 7lb 5oz.

Long-awaited “miracle baby” Jack Dewar arrived at Singleton Hospital on the 16th of April weighing 8lb 3oz after his parents Natalie and Nick Dewar went through three rounds of IVF at the Welsh Fertility Institute at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Natalie, 38, from Llansamlet, Swansea, said: “As a first-time mum I was extremely anxious and even more so with the current situation and being without my husband until I was in labour and then being on the postnatal ward on my own.

“But everyone made me feel at ease and the care myself and Jack received was brilliant.”

Home births have also continued despite the lockdown.

Lucy Jones hopes her story will help soothe the nerves of other mums to be whose fears will have been heightened by the pandemic.

“Home birth was not something I would even have thought about, but with everything going on in the mad world outside it felt like the safest option for me and my family,”said Lucy, 27, from Port Talbot, who gave birth to Nellie on April 17th.

“I went into labour at midnight and had the most amazing midwives with me who helped me and supported me the entire time while my husband was splitting himself between me and my oldest daughter.

Pictured: Lucy Jones gave birth to baby Nellie at home

“They put my mind at ease that I was in safe hands and I didn’t even think about giving birth during a pandemic, which has had me in tears plenty of times! For that, I will always be grateful!

“For those of you who are due to give birth soon please don’t be scared, worried or anxious. These midwives are amazing. They got it and they got you. You can do this.”

Swansea Council recently made changes to the domiciliary care service in the region in a bid to boost the sector and improve the quality of care that people receive in their homes. This is critical in a time where people want to live independently at home along with the rising costs of residential and nursing […]

Swansea Council recently made changes to the domiciliary care service in the region in a bid to boost the sector and improve the quality of care that people receive in their homes.

This is critical in a time where people want to live independently at home along with the rising costs of residential and nursing homes.

New Contracts

In late 2019, new contracts were awarded to domiciliary care companies in Swansea which resulted in around 275 people receiving care from a new provider. These companies assist the elderly in their own homes and can assist with washing, dressing, medication, cooking and anything else where they might need help.

Better Care

The new contracts were more expensive than the previous ones, but it was determined that the quality of service was more important than the price and the goal was to ensure that there were enough carers to cover the entire county, including more rural areas which has been problematic in the past in times of travel times between houses.

Smooth Transition

The majority of those requiring domiciliary care in Swansea will see no change to their plan, however, which will help to ensure that there is a smooth transition and no one will see a reduction in the care hours that they receive as a result of the new contracts. It is a requirement by law to look at these contracts on a regular basis as a public body, but Swansea wanted to use the opportunity to improve the service provided even if it cost more money.

“As they grow older, more and more people want to remain in their own homes and we are want to make sure that we strengthen the service to ensure there are enough providers with enough well-trained staff to help them to do so”.

Protection

For domiciliary care providers, there are still policies which are required regardless of any changes implemented by the Council. Having high-quality care agency insurance in place is essential and will provide financial protection for your business, as well as help you to remain compliant and receive advice to help you to provide the best level of care to your clients.

With an ageing population and more and more people wanting to receive care in their own homes, domiciliary care is a sector on the rise but it is important that people are able to get the care that they need. Swansea Council has taken action with these new contracts, which should make a big difference to the lives of those receiving domiciliary care in the county.

]]>https://www.wales247.co.uk/driving-improvements-to-domiciliary-care-in-wales/feed/0What are the new lockdown rules in Wales?https://www.wales247.co.uk/what-are-the-new-lockdown-rules-in-wales/
https://www.wales247.co.uk/what-are-the-new-lockdown-rules-in-wales/#respondFri, 29 May 2020 11:56:30 +0000https://www.wales247.co.uk/?p=92014

Plans to allow family and friends to meet outside have been unveiled by First Minister Mark Drakeford as the strict stay-at-home coronavirus regulations are eased in Wales. From Monday, two households in the same local area will be able to meet outdoors. In doing this however people must follow social distancing and strict hand hygiene […]

Plans to allow family and friends to meet outside have been unveiled by First Minister Mark Drakeford as the strict stay-at-home coronavirus regulations are eased in Wales.

From Monday, two households in the same local area will be able to meet outdoors. In doing this however people must follow social distancing and strict hand hygiene practices to control the spread of the virus.

Local means not generally travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading from one area to another.

The changes mean people can meet another household outdoors in their local area but all the other rules to protect people from coronavirus will stay in place for the time being.

Meeting outdoors is key as the science tells us the virus survives only for minutes outside but for hours on indoor surfaces.

The changes follow the third statutory review of the regulations by Welsh Ministers. The review is based on the latest scientific evidence from SAGE and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales.

Wales has passed the first peak of infection and rates are falling but the R rate remains at 0.8. Both SAGE and the World Health Organisation has advised changes should only be made one step at a time.

Credit: Welsh Government

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“We recognise what people have given up to help Wales slow the spread of coronavirus. I want to thank everyone for everything they have done – by sticking to the rules, we are all helping to protect each other and help our NHS respond to the pandemic.

“We know people are missing seeing their family and friends – the latest evidence, which underpins this review, means we can make some changes, to enable people to meet again, if it is done outdoors and locally, and people continue to follow the social distancing guidance.

“We are learning more about this virus every day and we know the risk of transmission is lower outdoors than indoors. That’s why, if we all remain two metres apart, two households will be able to meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

“However, a lower risk doesn’t mean no risk. Even in these circumstances it is vital we all maintain social distancing so we can continue to tackle the spread of this virus.

“Now and in the days and months ahead we all have a personal responsibility to make sure our actions don’t contribute to the spread of coronavirus. Please help keep Wales safe by staying local.”

The changes to the regulations will come into force on Monday and include:

Allowing members of two separate households in the same local area to meet outdoors at any one time as long as they maintain social distancing. There is a low risk of infection if the 2m physical distancing rule is maintained while outdoors. This does not need to be the same people from the same household every time. ‘Local’ means not travelling more than five miles from home;

The two households can meet in private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, but this comes with a higher risk of infection as people may have to pass through someone’s private home to reach a garden. The Welsh Government will provide guidance about the precautions which can be taken to minimise these risks;

Allowing weddings and civil partnerships to take place if the bride or groom is terminally ill.

The need to stay local and not mix with others other than in certain circumstances will be subject to exceptions similar to those that currently apply. Guidance will be provided about what staying local means in different circumstances.

Photo credit: Matthew Horwood

Beauty and tourist spots will remain closed.

The First Minister will today signal that non-essential retail businesses, which can comply with the physical distancing duty, should start to prepare to reopen over the next three weeks. A decision about whether non-essential retail will reopen will be taken at the next review on 18 June and will depend on the scientific and medical evidence.

At the next review, the Welsh Government will examine options for:

Re-opening non-essential retail

Increasing capacity for childcare and public transport to support a wider return to work

“I am signalling to businesses across Wales that they may begin preparations to be ready to resume activity in these areas should the evidence support reopening.

“This will allow us to restart activity as soon as possible if the conditions allow. We will continue to work closely with the public sector, trade unions, businesses, the third sector and others to achieve this.”

Cat welfare has been a major focus for frontline RSPCA Cymru officers during the Covid-19 lockdown – with 386 incidents reported in Wales over the period. Since the start of lockdown, up to May 4, there have been 6,630 incidents reported to the charity’s hotline about cats – including 386 incidents in Wales alone. Hot […]

Cat welfare has been a major focus for frontline RSPCA Cymru officers during the Covid-19 lockdown – with 386 incidents reported in Wales over the period.

Since the start of lockdown, up to May 4, there have been 6,630 incidents reported to the charity’s hotline about cats – including 386 incidents in Wales alone. Hot spots for Wales include Cardiff (40), Neath Port Talbot (36), and Swansea (32).

The new figures have been released as part of the animal welfare charity’s emergency appeal, launched to keep its frontline rescue teams working during the Covid-19 crisis.

Under the Welsh Government’s definition of key workers, the charity’s animal rescuers have continued on the frontline dealing with emergencies during the crisis, including coming to the aid of numerous cats in need.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: “Our frontline officers will continue to rescue as many cats as we can and our animal centre staff, hospitals and branches will carry on caring for the many cats coming into our care throughout the crisis.

“We rely on donations from our generous supporters to carry out this vital work and need their support now more than ever as our services become stretched to the limit.”

Willow – Wrexham cat shooting. Credit: RSPCA Cymru

Incidents dealt with by the RSPCA since lockdown got underway include the launch of an appeal for information, following the shooting of a cat in Wrexham. Officers from the charity were alerted after a female cat, named Willow, was found to have a large air pellet lodged in the bone of her leg, near to the elbow joint.

St Mellons cat rescue. Credit: RSPCA Cymru

Meanwhile, the RSPCA has also been involved in the rescue of a number of felines – including teaming up with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to come to the aid of a cat stuck up a tree in the St Mellons area of Cardiff, and another stuck hopelessly up a tree in Cwmbran.

Cwmbran cat stuck up tree. Credit: RSPCA Cymru

Last year, there were 108,190 incidents reported about cats, including 6,678 in Wales.

Across England and Wales, the RSPCA cares for more cats than any other pet. More than 1,000 felines are currently in the care of the charity – as it faces a cat crisis.

Since lockdown got underway, up to May 4, the RSPCA has taken 324 cats into its care; again more than any other pet. There are now fears that the situation is set to get worse, as the traditional kitten season gets underway.

There is always an influx of kittens at this time of year. However, there are concerns that, amid lockdown, neutering of pets may have slowed, and the charity’s experts now fear they will see even more unwanted litters coming through its doors.

Dr Gaines added: “We are currently caring for more cats than any other pet throughout the coronavirus crisis.

“Every year, the scale of the cat overpopulation problem becomes even more apparent from May to September when most cats are born as the RSPCA is often overwhelmed with kittens. The kitten season this year will continue despite Covid-19 and so the charity is bracing itself for even more cats.

“We believe neutering cats from four months old will help tackle the cat overpopulation problem the UK faces. This will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres.

“Many owners may not be able to get their pets neutered at the moment as understandably vets are prioritising emergencies in the face of Covid-19 and restricting other procedures. It is important to follow your vet’s guidance and understand if they cannot neuter your pet at this time.

“We would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to keep them indoors. If you have a male/female pair or really can’t keep your cat inside, do call your vet to discuss options.”

The charity is currently caring for 1,013 cats (as of 13 May). Felines in the RSPCA’s care in Wales include Felix, who has recently been reserved by a new owner from the Newport Animal Centre. He came into the RSPCA’s care after becoming seriously injured in Neath – with X-rays letter revealing he had been shot with a pellet gun, and a rear leg had to be amputated.

Last year, there were 108,190 incidents reported about cats including 6,678 in Wales.

The RSPCA has plenty of information on how to keep your cat entertained indoors on its website. There is also advice on keeping pets happy and healthy during the coronavirus crisis.

Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced new funding of up to £20m to help ensure that no-one in emergency shelter during the coronavirus crisis has to return to the streets or unsuitable accommodation. The Welsh Government’s initial funding package of £10m has meant that over 800 people have been housed since lockdown […]

Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced new funding of up to £20m to help ensure that no-one in emergency shelter during the coronavirus crisis has to return to the streets or unsuitable accommodation.

The Welsh Government’s initial funding package of £10m has meant that over 800 people have been housed since lockdown began. Many of these people were previously forced to sleep on our streets or were the ‘hidden homeless’ living precariously as ‘sofa surfers’ or in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

The Welsh Government now wants to build on this success to change the approach to homelessness for the long term.

Local authorities will be asked to draw up plans to transform services and the accommodation offer across Wales to help those currently in temporary accommodation to move on to a longer term home and ensure dignified suitable options for those who face homelessness in the future. The additional funding, support and guidance will help them to achieve this.

Announcing the funding ahead of a virtual summit on homelessness with local authorities, registered social landlords, health services and the third sector, Julie James said:

“The collaborative effort of the sector to accommodate homeless people during the pandemic has been incredible. Getting over 800 people off the streets or away from unsuitable accommodation has not been easy but by working together we have made a big difference to the lives of these people.”

“This does not, however, mean we have resolved homelessness in Wales. We have achieved a temporary reprieve, but it remains our goal to end homelessness and we will not see people forced back onto the streets.

“This crisis has provided us with a unique opportunity to change the services and change lives for the better and I am truly excited about this. This funding, together with the collaborative approach we have taken so far gives me confidence that we can now make a significant step towards achieving our goal of ending homelessness in Wales.”

Jon Sparkes, chair of the Homelessness Action Group and chief executive of Crisis, said:

“The coronavirus outbreak has affected everyone in our society but people facing homelessness are among the most exposed. Swift and decisive action early on by the Welsh Government, councils, Welsh public services and charities has successfully protected many people by providing emergency accommodation.

“This has been a very challenging time for many of us but it shows how much we can achieve by working together. We now need to urgently start the next phase of helping people into safe and secure homes, so that we don’t see people forced back onto the street or into unsafe temporary accommodation.

“The Welsh Government is taking very positive steps right now and as we move out of lockdown I look forward to seeing in due course the Welsh Government’s plan to prevent and end homelessness for good as the Homelessness Action Group recommended.”

Making sure that students can continue to access mental health and wellbeing services during the lockdown period whilst they continue to learn from home is vitally important, says Wales’ largest further education provider. By adapting some of the ways in which support services are delivered, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is continuing to meet learners’ welfare and […]

Making sure that students can continue to access mental health and wellbeing services during the lockdown period whilst they continue to learn from home is vitally important, says Wales’ largest further education provider.

By adapting some of the ways in which support services are delivered, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is continuing to meet learners’ welfare and counselling needs as part of their overall response to the coronavirus pandemic.

This week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, the Grŵp has launched a Wellbeing Calendar with daily activities to promote positive mental health. This is one of several initiatives put in place to support the delivery of the Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Wellbeing Framework.

Chief Executive Dafydd Evans explained: “Safeguarding our learners’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing is extremely important so that they can continue to enjoy the college experience as well as successfully gain qualifications.

“The coronavirus pandemic has thrown many challenges our way – including how we can look after our community of students and staff and support their mental health and wellbeing whilst learning from home.

“We were very quick to adapt the ways we provide support for our learners in light of the lockdown restrictions.”

He added: “These are very uncertain times for all of us, and many – particularly vulnerable young adults – will be experiencing extremely high levels of anxiety and concern.

“We in the further education sector have a duty of care to make sure that we do everything we can to make sure that our learners remain engaged in their learning during this period.

“It is absolutely crucial in this respect that we continue our involvement in joint initiatives with others, such as the Colleges Wales Colegau Cymru’s Active Wellbeing Strategy, and ongoing collaboration with our existing partners including Betsi Cadwaladr, local authorities and the third sector.”

A recent Estyn inspection report rated Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s care, support and guidance for students as ‘excellent’. Sam McIlvogue, Director Learner Services said: “Looking after mental health and wellbeing has a huge impact on learning and helping learners cope with the current situation is a top priority for us at the moment.

“We’re dealing with an unprecedented level of demand for support. Students are accessing our services for many different reasons – from experiencing anxiety to feelings of isolation and separation from friends, and practical concerns such as financial and ICT worries.

“Undoubtedly, social distancing and other restrictions have exacerbated these concerns in many cases. Our students are telling us that it’s hugely reassuring for them to know that we’re here to provide continued support whilst helping them to identify ways to improve their self care and build their resilience to cope.”

She added: “By using technology like Zoom and Google hangout meetings and regular telephone calls, our welfare staff are in touch with learners on a regular basis, sometimes daily. We’ve been able to continue to offer our counselling service and both existing learners and new referrals are taking up this service, whether it’s by phone or video link.

“We’ve also been using our social media platforms to share positive messages, wellbeing tips and highlight the welfare services among our students. The wellbeing calendar is yet another way to provide support by giving small, practical steps to help address some of the emotional challenges that can arise whilst learning from home.”